Treating Pyoderma

This skin infection is common in dogs. Here are our quick tips for identifying and treating Pyoderma.

What’s Pyoderma?

Pyoderma is a bacterial skin infection, most often caused by Staphylococcus. Normally the skin's natural defence are resistant to bacterial infection; however, underlying conditions (such as allergies, parasites or hormone diseases) can cause these natural defence to break down and enable bacteria to multiply.

How do you know if your pet is infected?

 Pyoderma may be observed as pimple-like pustules which form on the animal’s skin, if primary; they always look like "pimples" in humans.

Other main symptoms include:

• Rash & redness

• Itching

• Crusts

• Hair loss

How is pyoderma treated?

Oral antibiotics and antibacterial creams and shampoos can help to treat pyoderma. Daily application of a topical cream is useful for local areas of infection. If a large area is affected, whole-body application of medicated shampoo twice weekly may be required. If infection persists despite topical treatment, or the patient has a long/thick coat, or the lesions are widespread, a course of oral antibiotics will be necessary. Improvement is expected within 1-2 weeks. The underlying cause has to be addressed, too.'

How can pyoderma be prevented?

In order to prevent recurrence, it’s best to identify any underlying diseases, and maintain proper hygiene. Your veterinarian will be able provide a full assessment on how to avoid and manage the condition.